Caring For Your Machine
An Article From Machine Embroidery
Prevention is better than cure, as the old saying goes, so here are some handy hints that will help extend the working life of your treasured sewing machine.
Until a few years ago the sewer was expected to lubricate and clean the machine frequently, between servicing by a mechanic. While this is still the case with earlier, mechanical machines, the more sophisticated machines of today are precision appliances which require very little maintenance and little, if any lubrication. (Except Bernina machines that have metal parts that need to stay lubricated to aid in optimum performance).
It is still very important to remove the needle plate and remove any accumulated lint and thread regularly, but the most important aspect of machine maintenance relates to needles. It only takes one blunt needle to throw the needle bar height or timing out of adjustment, which can then translate into a costly service charge.
The best maintenance is preventative maintenance– use the correct needle profile and size and throw it away after 6– 8 hours of sewing or four hours embroidering in a hoop. It is also very important to ensure that the needle is inserted all the way into the needle bar and that the clamp is tightened correctly. Do not finger– tighten as this invariably results in the needle working loose. Also be careful not to over tighten by using a large screw driver or the wrong end of an Allen wrench.
Problems of burnt-out motors caused by the machine deciding to run itself are quite common and this is prevented by unplugging the machine when not in use. This is caused by the failure of a capacitor in the foot control or machine and mainly occurs in earlier machines.
It is also advisable to disconnect the lead from the power point of computerized machines when not in use, particularly in rural areas (and Florida)- as blown circuit boards caused by lightening strikes or electric spikes in the home can be very expensive.
It should also be noted that front loading bobbin systems require regular oiling of the shuttle race. Because of metal to metal contact this should be preformed at least every 6– 8 hours of sewing. It is important to then test-sew on a scrap of fabric until any oil residue disappears. Most other hook systems including those with plastic bobbin cases can benefit from a drop of oil when noisy.
When problems occur, try to isolate the problem by checking the bobbin, replace the needle and re-thread the machine, checking to see that the upper thread flows freely through the upper tensioner. As the bobbin case can be affected by threads and lint, and the tension spring can also become distorted causing variable tension, a spare bobbin case is a wise investment.
As a final note, when stitch quality is not up to standard and your machine needs attention, always take a sample of fabric and leave the machine still threaded. It is far easier for the technician to identify the problem in this way and it allows the machine to be test sewn on this particular fabric.
Be sure to bring your Bernina in for an annual cleaning if you sew at least two to three times a week. If you embroider alot, you might consider bringing your machine in more frequently. As always, take your machine to a dealer that SELLS your particular brand of machine. They have access to up to date servicing material as well as “actual” branded parts for your machine.
Look at these unfortunate sewing machines!
